Leaves of Grass · Chapter
Poets to Come explained
The speaker addresses future poets, orators, singers, and musicians, asserting that his own work is merely a preliminary gesture for a coming generation that will fully realize and justify his vision.
What happens
The speaker addresses future poets, orators, singers, and musicians, asserting that his own work is merely a preliminary gesture for a coming generation that will fully realize and justify his vision.
Themes in this chapter
The Poet as Prophet and Unifier
The speaker positions himself as a forerunner, entrusting future poets with the task of completing and justifying his work.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The speaker who addresses future poets and defines his own role as a precursor.
Key passages
“I myself but write one or two indicative words for the future, I but advance a moment only to wheel and hurry back in the darkness.”
I only set down a few suggestive lines for times to come; I step forward briefly, then retreat into obscurity.
The speaker emphasizes his transient, preparatory role.
“Leaving it to you to prove and define it, Expecting the main things from you.”
I leave it to you to confirm and give full meaning to what I have started; I look to you for the essential achievements.
The speaker entrusts future generations with the fulfillment of his vision.